WOODY ISLAND, SOUTH CHINA SEA — China has deployed surface-to-air missiles to one of the disputed islands in the South China Sea, Taiwan and U.S. officials said.

"Interested parties should work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea region and refrain from taking any unilateral measures that would increase tensions," Reuters quoted Taiwan defense ministry spokesman Major General David Lo as saying Wednesday

A U.S. official told Fox News that the missiles placed on the Woody Island, part of the Paracel Island chain, appeared to be the HQ-9 air defence system. The missiles have a range of 125 miles, Reuters reported.

Satellite images show the beach on Woody Island was empty on Feb. 3 and the missiles were visible on the beach by Feb. 14, Reuters reported. The Island is also claimed by Taiwan and by Vietnam.

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